Chapter 102 Nothing is as it seems

Meg and Raoul spent the afternoon wandering through the greenhouse, then on to the shore by the tiny pond beyond the tree line. "That's odd," Raoul said, looking down at a small pile of wood that was stacked neatly under a tree. He walked a few steps more, and found what appeared to be matted grass, where someone might have slept.

"What is it Raoul?" Meg said, catching up with him. She had tarried briefly along the fence line, smelling the few wild flowers that had just blossomed.

"Nothing, I just don't remember seeing that dead tree before." Raoul was pointing across the pond at a tree that he knew had been felled by a storm in the latter part of winter. Hoping to distract Meg's attention from their present surroundings.

Raoul pulled Meg close to him, embracing her. "I am so glad you do not mind staying here with me Meg." She was surprised by his sudden display of affection. He'd not wanted to startle her with his real purpose. His eyes were hungrily scanning the nearby woods, the shrubbery, and tall grasses. Someone had slept on that grass the night before, and there was no way of knowing if that someone was still lurking about.

While he saw nothing, he decided that it was time to take Meg back up to the house. Perhaps he'd entertain her with stories or some indoor activity. Indoor, of course, as far away from her room as possible. "Come Meg, let us go. It grows rather warm, and I dare say those clouds look like it could storm."

Meg looked up at the white wisps in the sky. They didn't look like storm clouds to her but, if Raoul wanted to go indoors, she'd not object. Raoul extended his arm to Meg, which she took eagerly. They moved quickly up the gardens and back to the terrace behind the house.

Madeline met them at the door. "Vicomte, not ready, spend time in garden?" Madeline looked pleadingly at him. "No Madeline, I'd rather think we shall retire to the library. Please do bring us a pot of tea would you?"

Madeline breathed a sigh of relief. Though Meg would be able to hear all of the scuffing and scrapings, she'd not be able to see anything that was going on as long as Raoul kept the doors to the library closed.

"Yes Vicomte." She smiled, "more cookies?" Raoul flashed a look at Meg who was smiling slightly. She'd not eaten breakfast, had barely chased her lunch around on her plate. He smiled at Meg, never letting his eyes leave her, he said, "yes Maddy, just a few."

As Madeline moved back inside, holding the door open with one hand, while shutting the door to the hallway with the other, Raoul helped Meg inside. He stood scanning the back lawn briefly. He'd not have Meg back out there again, unless he was armed.

He glanced over at two of the stableman who were leaning against the fencing, no doubt taking a break from their work. He turned back to Meg, and nodded at Madeline. "Madeline, if you would be so kind, please see Miss Meg into the library. I'm needing to discuss something briefly with the stable master."

Madeline took Meg by the hand and led her off inside the house. Raoul walked swiftly to the stables, right into the offices of the stable master. Raoul seldom paid an unannounced visit, so the man knew it must be urgent.

"Vicomte?" he said as Raoul entered. "Sir, do sit." Raoul motioned for the man to take his place behind his desk. Raoul paced the floor. "Your charges have done excellent work today sir, the room is now empty, as I'd requested."

The man began "why thank you Vicomte, it was our pleasure to…" Raoul interrupted, which was not his fashion. "Good sir, I know your men have not rested, nor likely had their noon meal due to their efforts. Under normal circumstances I'd not want to impose on a man's lunch. However, I've made a rather unsettling discovery down by the pond. It is very likely nothing, and perhaps simply the workings of one of our stable hands, but I would be a inattentive host if I'd not have you look into it for me.

"Vicomte?" "There is a place, just down by the Northern side of the pond, just where that towering oak grows, you know the one, it has.." "Yes, yes, I know the place of which you speak Vicomte," the man said.

"I found evidence of someone having slept there, not hours ago as the grass was dry, the twigs and weeds bent down as if they'd been laid upon for many hours. No doubt it will turn out to be a hidden napping post of one of our young stable boys, but we must be certain." Raoul looked at him with a sincere deep concern.

"Vicomte, likely it was an animal, perhaps a deer, the woods are full this time of year." Raoul shook his head. "Deer do not gather and bundle wood for a fire sir." The man's eyes grew, raising his eyebrows. "I see, well then, we shall have the men ready within the half-hour. We shall search the woods and to the very ends of the property. If we find nothing, perhaps we should post guards around the house proper at night just in case.."

Raoul interrupted. "I shan't want to frighten my guests. Let us first inquire of the staff, then we shall search the woods." Raoul was still pacing. "I should like a full report before the dinner hour sir." The man stood, "I shall see to it straightaway Vicomte." Raoul thanked him and walked back toward the house, where Meg awaited him.

XXX

Madame Giry had never had so many hands helping her. It was so strange to be back in Paris. Though their party was the only one in the shops that they traveled in and out of with lightening like speed, it seemed so strange to be suddenly thrust back into this life so abruptly. She dared say it was like a breath of fresh air, but entirely overwhelming.

The maids were darting in and out as she'd given them assignments. They'd been through the dressmakers, the shoemakers, the jewelers, the silk shops, the upholstery shops, the furniture maker. Madame Giry had never beheld so many fine things, and that was perhaps as much because she avoided coveting that which she could not afford, so she'd not looked in many of the shops she now traveled through this afternoon.

Madame Giry had yet to catch up with the woman, but there was obviously someone who was directing the staff as to where they were going next, and what to do with what Madame Giry was selecting. She could see the woman from a distance, but each time she'd get close to her, the woman seemed to disappear. Madame Giry only wanted to extend her appreciation, yet she felt that the woman was purposely avoiding her.

Finally, she could take it no longer. She latched onto the first one of Raoul's staff that she could find. "Who is that woman, that woman there," she was pointing to her as she disappeared yet again.

The woman stared at her, "you do not know her?" The woman asked Madame Giry. "No Madame, that is why I am asking you!" Madame Giry had no intentions of sounding sarcastic or insulting, it was her impatience after hours of shopping that had her a bit on edge.

The woman smiled at her, "that is the Vicomte's sister, she's come to help you, but Raoul instructed her to give you the freedom to make your own choices." "Ah, I see," said Madame Giry. She wanted to thank the woman, but didn't want to interfere with the plans that Raoul had so painstakingly made. Perhaps another time would be more appropriate.

"Very well." She said, thanking the woman. Just then a rush of several others found her, asking questions about textures and colors, fabric weights, and how plump the chairs should be. It was a daunting task to undertake this all in one day, but there was really no other way around it. It was an idea that was long overdue as far as Raoul was concerned.

There was a full carriage by the time the afternoon was out, and several delivery carriages had departed for the outskirts of Paris. Madame Giry could not allow herself to think of the funds that were being spent, or what would become of the fine things that had been replaced, but it was at her host's bidding that she do so. His sentiment had been heartfelt, and though it was difficult for Madame Giry to do, she'd done that which he asked of her.

A woman appeared, taking the coffee cup from Madame Giry, and leading her over to a small table where a bit of sweets had been set out. There were two plates, two dainty napkins and two cups of tea.

The woman offered her a chair which Madame Giry took gratefully. As a ballet mistress, she was quite accustomed to hours on her feet, but then she was in her ballet shoes, not the uncomfortable formal shoes she now donned.

"Ah, Madame Giry," came a sweet voice. "Allow me to introduce myself," Madame Giry stood turning around. A beautiful young woman, all of twenty-five stood before her. Looking into her eyes, she could see the likeness.

"Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you, your brother speaks fondly of you." The young woman flashed her an inquisitive glance. "I am sorry, I'd noticed you earlier and quite insisted that one of Raoul's staff tell me of your identity."

"Madame Giry, it is my pleasure to meet you." She motioned for her to sit, as she nodded and the staff left the two alone. "When I was a little girl, I rather dreamed of being a ballerina. In fact it may surprise you to know that I've admired your work since I was but a small girl, I'd rather dreamed of being your pupil!"

Madame Giry blushed at the compliment. "And you decided not to pursue it?" The woman laughed politely. "Truly, my father frowned upon it, insisting that I was too frail, and too clumsy to become a prima ballerina, and if one could not be a prima, what use was there of pursuing the dream!"

Madame Giry winced, she'd often wondered why some young girls who looked so longingly at the stage during the ballets, never went on to become students. In this case, she assumed the social classes were not to be mixed. That was more likely the true reason, though perhaps this young woman was too terribly polite to say so.

"The beauty of the costumes, the fluid motions, the heart breaking stories, played out through movement and music, it makes love more like love, and tragedy more tragic." Madame Giry could see the twinkle in her eyes, no doubt this young lady was something of an aficionado, truly loving ballet at heart.

"I agree, ballet is a special expression of thought…its much like art from the soul." Madame Giry said. Raoul's sister smiled at her nodding in agreement. "It is precisely why I dreamed of being a ballerina!"

She shook her head as she took note that the last of the items were being loaded into the awaiting carriages. "Raoul wanted me to make certain that you'd found everything for Meg that you think she might require. He asked that I come along to help, but also to be certain that you weren't being too stringent with your purchases."

Truly she had withheld a few things that Meg may have enjoyed, but she was not greedy, nor was Meg. Secretly Raoul's sister had observed her actions, and added those items back in, they would be a little surprise for both of them when the items were unpacked.

"Did the furniture maker say when they might deliver the items that you chose?" Madame Giry nodded. He has one in his workshop, and will sand and finish it this evening. By Monday afternoon it will be on the way to your brother's house."

Raoul's sister smiled at her, "and the dressmaker?" Madame Giry said, "tomorrow as well. I brought one of Meg's dresses with me so that they would have exact measurements. The woman said she'd be up all night seeing to the necessary alterations to the garments that we selected. The woman insisted that Raoul had requested that there be ten of them. I dare say Meg has never owned that many gowns at one time in her entire life!"

Raoul's sister smiled, "it is something that she best become quickly accustomed to. Raoul will see to it that she has twice that many in the next few months."

Madame Giry swallowed hard. Obviously Raoul and his sister had talked a little about this. "May I ask you, being his sister, and pray do tell me if I am being too forward…..do you think that Raoul is truly ready to love again?" Madame Giry almost hoped that the answer would be no, for things would decidedly be less complicated.

"I asked Raoul that very thing not a week ago when Meg was visiting in Paris. Much has changed in the last week, and I dare say I have seen an entirely new side of my brother. Do not worry Madame Giry, Raoul is a good man, an honorable man. Meg will not be harmed or pressured under his roof. I've spent considerable time in the company of the two of them during Meg's visits to Paris, and I dare say I thought I'd seen a spark between them the visit before last. They get on better than some married couples that I know!" She smiled at Madame Giry. "They share interests, and are both attentive with one another. Now, if I may be so forward as to say, there is something that seems entirely natural about them when they are in each others company. She is a sweet creature, your daughter, and I've no doubt that Raoul's intentions are pure, his feelings toward her true."

Madame Giry stood, eagerly embracing the woman whom she'd just met. If indeed Raoul's intentions were true, and someday Meg would be part of this family, Meg would certainly be fortunate to have such a kind sister-in-law.

The coachman was at the door, ready to escort her to the Opera Populaire. Raoul's father waited for her there. The staff came in to inform him of the arrangements that Raoul had made for Madame Giry's return.

"I will see you again very soon Madame Giry. Raoul hopes that Meg will be feeling well enough to come into the City within a few weeks. If I do not see you then, I will see you when my husband and I come to Raoul's for dinner the last Sunday of the month. It is something of a ritual." Raoul's sister reached out touching Madame Giry's shoulder. "You have a wonderful daughter Madame, and I've always longed for a younger sister!" She smiled as the coachman escorted Madame Giry to the awaiting carriage.

Madame Giry noticed she was in a much smaller carriage than she had been earlier. This one was suitable for two people, four at most. Its seats were of fine leather, the interior smelled of sweet cigars. No doubt this was Raoul's father's private carriage. This would be an interesting ride indeed!

XXXX

The senior De Chagny had written several letters of inquiry, getting them ready for the morning post. He'd finalized some of the last plans for the entrances, and carriage house. He pushed himself away from the desk, extinguishing the lamp and making his way out of the offices. His footsteps echoed in the large auditorium where all of the seats were yet to be affixed. He could nearly see the great productions that would be observed here. The gala would bring royalty from all over Europe, and that would give him the opportunity to brush shoulders with some of the men that he truly admired.

As he arrived at the front door, the carriage was just approaching. It came to a stop. The coachman quickly dismounting and opening the door for him. "Good evening Madame Giry," came his voice as the door closed behind him, and the carriage lurched forward, back to Raoul's house.

XXX

Erik and Christine had just finished their dinner. "That was entirely lovely Erik, I've not had poached salmon in ages!" Erik smiled at her, he had rather preferred it himself.

"This was the very first place that I'd visited when I was here in Chauesser. Each time that I'd visited, I'd stop in for a very late dinner, or a nightcap."

Christine was eyeing the cart full of desserts that were being wheeled toward her. Erik caught the look in her eye. "Erik, would you…" "Now my dear, you are entirely capable of ordering and consuming a dessert all on your own." He said playfully. Christine smiled at Erik, he was truly mocking her.

"My dear husband, I was simply going to ask if you would like one, and, which one you think your son might enjoy!" Erik laughed as the cart stopped at their table.

"Madame, Monsieur?" The polite Frenchwoman nodded to the desserts. "Hmmmm, let me see." Erik lifted several, looking at them as though they were fine pieces of jewelry, and then setting them back down again. As he went to lift the plates the third time, Christine cleared her throat. Erik grinned at her, he was toying with her.

She smiled politely at the woman, and reached out snatching the Viennese walnut torte from Erik's hand. Then she looked down and selected a chocolate layer cake with a warm caramel drizzle. She nodded at the young woman. The woman was trying to suppress a smile, as she noticed Erik grinning at Christine. "Coffee?" Erik nodded.

She pushed the cart away from the table, nodding at the gentleman who'd been taking care of Erik and Christine during their meal. He quickly appeared at the table, silver coffee service in his hand. Erik and Christine sat silently as he filled the cups and walked back behind the swinging door.

"Now Erik, really, that poor woman was…" Christine grew quiet as she looked at Erik, who'd selected the walnut torte, and was now extending a small bit of it on his fork. "My dear…"

Christine leaned forward allowing Erik to slip the fork between her lips. The sugary frosting greeting her tongue as the rich layers of walnuts and spices made her taste buds come to life. Erik smiled at Christine as she closed her eyes enjoying the flavors. He took a bite for himself.

Christine opened her eyes to see Erik sipping on his coffee, the steam rising from the cup swirling around his forehead. They'd spent so much time together, and yet sometimes it struck Christine, as though for the first time, how much she truly loved this man. His face was transforming, a fully handsome man was emerging, but it was what was beneath that skin that Christine truly loved. Though she'd hardly admitted to herself that seeing him in motion without the mask, was truly captivating.

"What is it my dear?" Erik said smiling at her as he took another bite of the torte. Christine placed her fork on her plate and reached out her hand for Erik's. "I often feel at a loss for words when I look at you. Sometimes, like just the moment before this, I feel captivated by your presence."

Erik had not expected that response. He'd thought Christine was simply delighting in the sweetness of the cake. "Christine, you make me blush with such flattery."

Christine smiled at him looking down, and then up again deep into his eyes. "Erik, time stands still when I am with you. You were and are so much more than any woman could ever hope for in a husband."

Erik knew Christine's words were sincere, though it made him blush profusely to hear her utter them audibly to him. When he'd been below the Opera House, the world had been predictable. He'd always envisioned the two of them living there, occasionally venturing out after dark, or stealing away to one of the houses he owned far from Paris. Those thoughts had persisted, been rehearsed, were familiar.

Now, he was out in a different sort of world, one he'd not chosen to live…one that he'd found himself in quite by default because of decisions that had been made without his knowledge or consent. Ever since he'd first become aware of it, he'd felt this inner struggle, this turmoil of relinquishing control to life in this foreign world. Yes, he still had pangs to be back in his mask, wielding his power through fear and illusion, but they were becoming less and less frequent.

Tonight, as he sat across from this most precious creature, one who truly loved him, he could imagine no greater joy than to be living the life that now lay ahead of them. He was her husband, and in not many months would welcome into the world a child that was in part him, and in part her.

Though this new life was not completely yet his own, he would learn to settle into a quiet existence with Christine and their little family, far from Paris. Exactly how they would maintain contact with Meg and Madame Giry, he wasn't certain. He thought back to a comment that Christine had made months ago about the lot of them being parted by marriage or death….perhaps it would be the distance that parted them. He could only hope that they would find a way to keep connected, for they were not by blood or by law, but certainly by heart, his family.

"Erik?" Christine was gently caressing his hand in hers. "Have I said something wrong?" Her smile had turned to a look of concern. Erik raised his eyes to meet hers. "No…." She gave him a loving smile. "Then what is it my dear?" she said running her thumb along the palm of his hand, making Erik shiver.

"In all of my life Christine, I've never known anyone who moved me as you do. Not just as your husband….but our souls….they feel as though…."

Christine smiled, perhaps it was the child that grew within her that made her feel more joined to him now than she had ever been. How she wished she could put it into words. "Erik, do you remember…that night in front of my father's grave…when we exchanged our vows…." Erik smiled, it was a moment he'd visited often in his mind. He nodded. "Then the two shall become as one…" she said.

Erik squeezed her hand. "Yes, I remember it…it is…" Erik paused, caught off guard by his own rising emotions. Christine squeezed his hand in return. "It is simply different to feel the words….. feel it happening within you."

Christine stood, putting her napkin on her chair and went to Erik's side. She ignored proper manners, for in that room, that time and place, no one else existed. She bent down and slipped her arms around Erik's neck, until their eyes met. "I love you….." she said as she kissed him tenderly on his trembling lips.

Erik could do nothing but accept the love that she offered him. Inch by inch, she was tugging at him…pulling him from his self-imposed cocoon. Though he'd emerged from time-to-time, each time a bit longer than the last, he was not yet ready to fly. But she was there, her kindness, her love, as a certain as a cooling gentle breeze…drying his wings.

The moment was brought to an abrupt end when they heard a loud pounding on the glass window not far from where they sat. Erik whirled around in his chair, his instincts would likely never dim. There, in the darkening of the Spring sky, stood the old woman that Erik had seen the night before. She was waving at him, smiling a big toothy grin. They could tell she was saying something, though they could not hear her. Christine looked amusedly at Erik. "I think she's saying you're handsome!" She chuckled as she smoothed her hand over Erik's back.

His face had turned to stone. Though they'd not been able to hear her, Erik's keen eyes brought back the memories of a skill he'd not used in years. He blinked, on the woman's lips he distinctly read "De Chagny, De Chagny!"

Erik stood, his heart was now pounding. "Christine, we must go." "But Erik, we've not even finished our dessert.." her gentle protests quickly forgotten as she saw the horror on Erik's face. He leaned down whispering in her ear, "I'm quite afraid we might have been discovered." Christine felt faint…they were so far from Paris….how could that be?

Erik made his way quickly to the front of the room, handing the man a bundle of bills, "do see that the bill is taken care of good sir, my wife is feeling ill just now." The man nodded, their expedient departure making sense then to all that overheard.

Erik and Christine were at once in the street. Erik's eyes darting back and forth as they ducked into alley's traveling as swiftly as he could back toward the mercantile where the carriage should be returning soon to collect them. He saw no presence of law, no indication that guards were posted, or that anyone was searching. The village looked the same as it had hours before, calm, serene.

Erik's heart was thumping so heard beneath his breastbone, that he'd not be surprised if there was a bruise there upon inspection. He'd not been that afraid…since…they were at the Candlelight Inn.

Somewhere along the line Erik had scooped Christine into his arms and carried her along under his cloak. They'd not exchanged so much as a word as he'd swiftly moved through the city to the back of the mercantile. They ducked into the alcove behind the shop, Erik carefully sitting Christine down on an overturned crate. He was stooped over, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. He'd felt so safe here, he'd begun to let his guard down…how had they been found?

Christine sat quietly, nervously fiddling with her skirt. Erik stood, the night air had begun to cool, a damp chill had set in. He removed his cloak and walked over to Christine, slipping it around her shoulders. He stood again, ears tuned to the sounds in the streets, though there was none. Erik stood protectively next to Christine for a few minutes until his breathing calmed.

Christine tilted her head up toward Erik and was about to inquire, the idea quickly retreating as Erik raised his finger to his lips. Slowly Erik reached inside his jacket, retrieving the pistol that he carried with him everywhere since Sara had been murdered.

Christine shuddered, she felt warm, a flash of white light before her eyes yet again, she swayed. Erik looked over his shoulder, rushing back to her side thinking she'd fainted from the fright.

Christine was lost in it. She was walking down a road…she could see a young woman running toward her from a distance…she was smiling…waving her hand….Christine saw herself hidden behind a wall, peering out, and realized the person moving in her dream was not her, but Erik. As she watched she sensed no fear….there was an aura of sadness about it, but no fear….she could hear the girl's voice call out to Erik… "Sir, sir…please let me explain…"

The lights flashed in Christine's eyes and she was at once back behind the mercantile in Erik's arms. She blinked looking up into the horror of Erik's wide eyes. She said "you must go to her…" Erik flinched, looking around, "go to who my dear?" Christine looked at him quite puzzled, still feeling a bit foggy. "The girl, the one in the street….she means us no harm…go to her….she has something to tell you….something you must know…."

Christine looked up at Erik. In all the years she'd known him she'd never beheld his eyes with such confusion, it was a mixture of fear and something else, she couldn't quite describe.

He pulled her close to him, holding her as though for the first and last time in his life. His ears perked up. He could hear the trampling of footsteps…a single set of dainty footsteps. "Sir, sir?" He could hear a gentle voice calling.

Christine looked up at him, feeling a bit more clear, "Erik…go to her." He closed his eyes. He wanted to wish this curse away from Christine, remove it as surely as one removed a thorn from one's flesh, but he knew he could not. "ERIK, go to her….I shall be alright here."

Erik kissed her tenderly on the cheek, leaning her against the post behind the crate. He pulled his cloak tightly around her. "My dear, if you should hear…." Christine reached out and touched his hand. "Erik, it is alright, go to her…she has something to tell you." Erik nodded just once, and turned walking down the alley and toward the street where he could hear the footsteps.

Author's notes:

Captain Oblivious: Now one should not feel bad for not knowing the answers at all! It takes time, and interest in this sort of thing to acquire that sort of knowledge! That is why I provided the answers, I rather assumed most might not know them. It is really

Erik's level of intelligence that I was trying to establish, not my own, lest anyone think I am a "know-it-all" for alas, there are many areas that I am utterly uneducated in. Erik is smart, much smarter than perhaps we even knew before, and that is important for us to understand because….because…..oh I just cannot say, lest I spoil everything!

Good to hear Susie came out o.k. at the "doctor". Yes hard work is always more worth it when we are working towards something…even if it makes our feet hurt!

Oh, your critique of the movie 'Starship Troopers', I cannot say that I've seen it, but with your wonderful review, I shall make certain that it is crossed off any proverbial lists that I might have. I do delve into Sci-Fi once in a great while, perhaps only because I like to see how authors "stretch the box" with their ideas. Our imagination is among the greatest gifts we have, and I dare say some definitely stretch theirs to the outer limits! Let's see, if I were to pick the "dumbest" movie I've ever seen….that would be a hard one, I've see literally thousands. Perhaps it would be, no pun intended, when I was forced against my will to watch "Dumb and Dumber". If ever there was a waste of two hours of my life, that would likely be it. Too bad it made so much money at the box office and helped to solidify the career of one of the biggest stars in Hollywood!

Hope you and Susie have a good day. Perhaps you should take her to a "drive-in" movie, if they have one in your area. She'd probably like that, and hey, most drive-ins have a two for one feature. Though do be careful when you get your popcorn and hotdogs, Susie probably wouldn't appreciate getting ketchup and butter all over her pretty interior!

Hope you enjoy chapter 102!

Diveprincess: I'm glad to hear that I made you smile. Everyone deserves a good smile at least once each day! Oh yes, it was Gino's, thank you for telling me. I tend to fret over silly little things like that when I cannot remember them. I do specifically remember the pizza and the ambiance though, both were entirely wonderful! Darn, now I've made myself hungry for that pizza! The only place that had pizza even close to that was a small pizzeria in Washington D.C. Great pizza, but VERY expensive. It ought to have been too, it had two pounds of mozzarella on top of twenty slices of Canadian Bacon….mmmmm. I've got to stop or I'll drive myself mad! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the next chapters. You can probably tell I have a small fascination with food. The way it smells, looks, tastes….alas, yet another one of my weaknesses. It is a good thing I can enjoy thinking about food nearly as much as eating it, or I would be in serious trouble! Now that you are in a position to spend much time relaxing, I'm sure your memories of all the dives you've been on will keep you great company. Sometimes just envisioning things we've done, or want to do, helps us get through the rough spots. As for me, I imagine a good book, a hot cup of espresso, and a slice of that chocolate cake that Christine was eating…I think I've just made myself hungry all over again! Your thoughts might be of a wonderful dive along the Great Barrier Reef, schools of fish you've never seen before floating by….

Icherisherik: Thank you for the compliment. I'm not sure if you read the response that I give to other reviewers, but if you do, this might seem a bit redundant. You should not feel bad for not knowing the answers at all! It takes time, and interest in this sort of thing to acquire that sort of knowledge! That is why I provided the answers. It is really

Erik's level of intelligence that I was trying to get at, not my own. There are many areas that I am utterly uneducated in. Erik is smart, much smarter than perhaps we even knew. That will be important to know for the near future. O.K. now, as for that essay you've been putting off….you should get to it….I don't want to feel responsible for distracting one of our Phantomfamily from their education!

Darkmoonlightbright: Yes, another professed night-owl! I do like the night best, everything just seems to be so much more intense when it is dark outside. I think it probably says something about what personality type we are, and I'm not sure that it is very complimentary! If I could select my perfect sleeping schedule it would be from four in the morning until ten-thirty. However, I have to be at work by eight, so it doesn't really work all that well. I usually go to bed around one or one thirty and have to be up around five-thirty or six at the latest. No wonder I need my coffee in the morning! If you prefer long nights, you should start saving up to visit Alaska…it is an eerie thing when they have their many days of darkness in a row. It's hard to think of it being one in the afternoon when it's so black outside that you cannot see your hand in front of you! It is a fun detour from the normal world though if you like that sort of thing….which I do! I think if Erik could have visited Alaska, he'd have loved it don't you? Now, back to the story. I cannot tell you when the baby will arrive…(pardon the pun) it will arrive in due time! Yes, I prefer the relationship of Erik and Christine, in fact over any other that I can think of. I'm happy for Meg and Raoul too, Nadir and Madame Giry…but my heart-of-hearts, belongs to E & C! Do not feel dumb for not knowing the answers…no one is dumb if they do not know what they've never been exposed to…we are simply uniformed intelligent people….so, hold up that chin, you're smarter than you're giving yourself credit for!

Phantomluvr: Thank you for reassuring me that I wasn't being too tedious! One worries about that sort of thing. Yes, ERIK, expected his staff to know all of this. In part this was done to show how unrealistic Erik could be at times, and how he was somewhat out of touch with reality. He had all those years of solitude to read, to study, to dwell on every subject he studied. No one out in the real world had that sort of time to be that focused. So, in spite of all the things that Erik seems to be adjusting quite well too, he needs to learn more about the nature of the humans he will be living with from their point of reference. He looks good on the outside, but it's the inner struggles that will prove to be the most difficult to overcome as time goes on. Now, if you are a freshman in high school, and even know of Gutenberg, Newton's laws of gravity, and have struggled in the world of quadratic equations, consider yourself a bright young woman! I know several people who are twice your age that would think Gutenberg was a German plane, Newton's law of gravity was what happened when they dropped their fig-filled cookie, and quadratics would have something to do with swimming! Calculus is not as much fun as other things I agree, but I'm thankful that there are people out there, far smarter than I, that understand them! For if there weren't, we'd not have a man on the moon, a suspension bridge, or be able to understand the mysteries of cold fusion!

Poetzproblem: I'm happy to hear you could relate. Us "crazies" are kindred spirits, and no one fully appreciates us, except those who are of like-minds! Thank you for your compliment on the story. I have no doubt that yours is wonderful. Now if I can, I will try to find it and see, but something tells me it will be entirely enjoyable! I hope you enjoy chapter 102…although it did contain a cliffie that I know you are so terribly fond of! I promise, I shall be much kinder with what I post on Friday…I hope it will be "cliffie-free." But one truly never knows where the wind will blow!

Hoplesslyobsessed: Oh you are too funny. I am obsessed, but I've not gone to the lengths you have my dear! O.k., you are most deserving of your tag name. (bows elegantly!) If you are on the hunt for every movie…don't spend the money or time hunting down the British film, 'Jury'. I finally got mine, after ordering it (very pricey too). Aside from Gerard, there isn't too much you'd probably want to see on the three DVDs. I have now: POTO, Attila, Timeline, Jury, Dear Frankie, Dracula 2000, and another one I cannot think of right now. He is by far the one I have the most movies of….hence…why my family and friends think I'm obsessed! I do have a few printed pictures, but no magnets! I'd like the rose and ribbon thing, but I think they'd be calling the little white wagon to come and pick me up. My sister thinks I'm nuts because I want to go to Scotland just to see where he grew up! O.k., enough about our dear, dear, Gerry.

I've rather enjoyed Erphan myself! Can't you just see him acting that way? I cannot tell you how long the story will go, but simply to say it will end when t here is nothing left a mystery…..how's that for a cruel answer?

I've seen Phantom on stage a few times, the movie, I'd say it was ten times in the theater, and over a hundred since I've owned it….I guess that's a bit of an obsession isn't it. I am strange though, I do not watch any TV, not even a little….my couch time is spent only on movies, and then, only the ones worth watching more than once. I hope you like this last chapter…unfortunately, it leaves only more questions to answer…..

Oh, one more note, my sister and several friends thought I was crazy until they watched the movie, suddenly, I'm not soooo crazy after all! We are truly spreading the insanity around the globe..poor Gerry….soon he won't be able to go anywhere without a mob chasing him down!